Jacquelyn D Lutz

Jacquelyn Delores Lutz

Oct 29, 1933 - Apr 12, 2022
BENKELMAN –Jacquelyn Delores Lutz, 88, of Benkelman died with her sons at her side on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, NE.

Jackie was born to Douglas and Blanche (Morehouse) McDowell of rural Cheyenne County, KS on Oct 29, 1933. She was united in marriage with Dale Vernon Lutz on May 6, 1951 at St Francis, KS. They were blessed with three children Marty, Nan, and Mickey. The family farmed northwest of Benkelman. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.

Jackie spent her childhood on the family farm on South Fork in Cheyenne County, KS. Riding horses was one of her true joys. She attended country school until high school when she moved to Benkelman. There, she lived in the basement of Morehouse Hospital attending high school during the day while working evenings at the hospital for room and board. Her work at the hospital sparked an interest in nursing. Later she would seek a career in nursing, working at Morehouse Hospital and then, for many years, as a surgical and office nurse for Dr. James Monaghan, Benkelman, NE.

Husband, Dale, was the love of her life. Together, they shared a love for their family and farm. Time away from the farm was spent enjoying shared interests in fishing, antiquing, and traveling. Many of their travels led to casinos where Jackie enjoyed the intellectual challenge of gambling. Over the course of many years, she built a sizable and diverse antique collection. Inspired by the beauty and rarity of antique glassware, she became a connoisseur in her own right. Her ability to identify, classify, and value glassware was impressive. Spending time with friends was equally important, especially when it came to playing bridge and celebrating birthdays. Throughout life, Jackie never shied from a challenge. She embraced modern technology and learned to incorporate it into her daily life. She delighted in how it kept her connected to loved ones.

Jackie’s character has always been defined by independence, knowledge, and determination. True to character, she valiantly and relentlessly worked to overcome the health challenges of her latter years to continue to live a good quality of life. She leaves family and friends with the words of a clipping found posted in her home that encompasses the philosophy in which she lived her life.

“Never give up on hope, never doubt, never tire and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.”


Preceding her in death are husband Dale Lutz; parents Douglas and Blanche (Morehouse) McDowell; daughter Nan Powell; grandchildren, Jay and Matt Lutz, Trinity Powell; and sister Jean Ann Richard.

Survivors include two sons, Marty and wife, Susan, Mickey and wife, Karen of Benkelman; seven grandchildren, Corey Powell of Longmont, CO; Doug Lutz (Hannah), Thad Lutz (Anita) of Benkelman; Dayla Lutz (Oskar) of Trabuco Canyon, CA; Laura Bonk (Isaac) of Leawood KS; April Lutz of Oakland, NE; and Michaela Hohwieler (Jordan) of Elkhorn, NE; fifteen great-grandchildren, Logan Powell of Eaton, CO, Addison Powell of Greeley, CO, and Jacey Powell of Arvada, CO; Trinity Lutz of Thomasville, NC; Cade, Maggie, Laynee, Ava, Bree, Cale, Harper, and Dayne Lutz of Benkelman; Max Oskarsson and Svava Oskarsdottir of Trabuco Canyon, CA; and Norman Bonk of Leawood, KS; one sister Mary Jo Haack of Loveland, CO.

Her wishes were for cremation. A family service to be at a later date.

The family asks that memorials be presented to the charity of your choice.